Good Morning!<\/p>\n
I hope you have plans to relax today and enjoy the VE Day celebrations, all be it a little differently to the way we had planned!\u00a0 Like so many of our plans for this term, we’ve had to adapt and find other ways to connect, communicate and carry out vital tasks.<\/p>\n
Over the past week we have been delighted to see some pupils logging into Glow Teams.\u00a0 This has allowed us to make contact with our learners at a new level – chatting, addressing questions as they rise and catching up on your news.\u00a0 It is nothing like being in class together, but it goes a long way to keeping those precious relationships strong.\u00a0 If you haven’t logged on yet, we would love to see you. However, we do accept that this is not the preferred method of communication for some families, so we will continue to post Home Learning activities on the app (Piota) and school website.\u00a0 At the moment these remain the most successful methods of communication, allowing us to reach most families.\u00a0 The local KeyStore has helped out again by taking yet ANOTHER pile of jotters and pencils to keep behind the counter.\u00a0 These are available to any of our pupils who ask and we are delighted that so many of you are making use of this service.<\/p>\n
Some families are happy to Tweet us messages and photographs.\u00a0 We love seeing these and your cheery smiles certainly brighten up our Twitter feed!\u00a0 Please keep them coming (remembering to not mention your child’s name – we know who you are \ud83d\ude09).\u00a0 Similarly, we will continue to post regular Twitter video messages from our school and nursery staff.\u00a0 Up to now we have managed to post three videos each week and we are keen to keep this going, as we know by your feedback that many children look forward to seeing these.\u00a0 However, we respect that many families do not like such a public method of communication.\u00a0 Remember, emails and Glow Teams are alternative methods to allow us to share in your achievements.\u00a0 You can also reply to the Groupcall school texts I send: I check incoming messages regularly too.\u00a0 Please keep in touch using the method that suits you best – we are desperate to know how you are doing.<\/p>\n
One of the other events that has been interrupted this term is our transition programmes.\u00a0 Our P.7 pupils are being supported in this by inventive initiatives being explored by our partner high schools.\u00a0 Once again, Twitter is playing a huge role here.\u00a0 Please ‘follow’ the high school. your child is intending to attend to find out more.<\/p>\n
Our own induction programme for our new P.1 pupils is underway too.\u00a0 We have created induction packs which we have been delivering to homes over the past few days. I know that both our families and the members of staff involved have been delighted where they have had the chance to share a smile, wave and have a socially-distanced chat. We have experienced a few problems with access to some properties, but we will keep trying to get these to you as soon as possible.\u00a0 In addition, we are putting together some short video messages to allow you to have a virtual tour of Kirkshaws.\u00a0 Once again – make sure you keep an eye on Twitter, the app and the website for links to these over coming weeks.<\/p>\n
And finally, to answer the question everyone is asking me – No, we do not have any new information about a return to school and nursery.\u00a0 Like you, we are watching the announcements made by the First Minister with interest.\u00a0 As soon as we have any information and know how planned changes will affect Kirkshaws, we will be in touch.\u00a0 We know that you share our aim to be back at school in a safe environment<\/span> as soon as possible.<\/p>\n So, as we look forward to our long weekend, thank you!\u00a0 I must give a personal THANKYOU<\/strong><\/span> to our pupils, families, staff and wider community who are all demonstrating resilience, patience and a positive attitude; playing their part to see us through these difficult weeks.<\/p>\n Remember, Monday is an In-Service Training Day, so I’ll be keeping the teachers busy on wider school development tasks – don’t expect to see them online until Tuesday.<\/p>\n #InThisTogether<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Good Morning! I hope you have plans to relax today and enjoy the VE Day celebrations, all be it a little differently to the way we had planned!\u00a0 Like so many of our plans for this term, we’ve had to adapt and find other ways to connect, communicate and carry out vital tasks. Over the past week we have been delighted to see some pupils logging into Glow Teams.\u00a0 This<\/p>\n